The Australian Disability Parking Scheme aims to improve parking opportunities for people with a disability by introducing:
- consistent eligibility criteria
- concessions
- a national design to remove inconsistencies in rules and permits across jurisdictions
Information sessions are being held across Australia to allow interested parties to get more details about the initiative and provide feedback to the Australian Government.
Phone the national hotline on 1800 630 740 (TTY- 1800 555 677) to:
- get more information
- make a submission
- register for a session
- request a fact sheet
Alternatively go to www.fahcsia.gov.au.
You should still direct general enquiries about disabled parking permits to your local council.
The discussion paper and national public consultations launched by the Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children’s Services, the Hon Bill Shorten MP, are detailed in a media release: Government calls for submissions on Disability Parking SchemeA state-wide Disabled Persons' Parking Scheme currently operates in Victoria. The Scheme provides for two permit categories with varying parking concessions, based on the applicant's need for assistance.
Under category one, permit holders with significant intellectual or ambulatory disabilities who meet the eligibility criteria are entitled to park a vehicle in a special bay reserved for people with a disability only, for the specified time only, or may park a vehicle in any ordinary area or bay for twice the specified time (upon payment of any initial parking fee, if applicable).
Under category two, permit holders who require rest breaks when walking may park a vehicle in any ordinary area or bay for twice the specified time (upon payment of any initial parking fee, if applicable). The permit label should be carried by the permit holder when he / she is not being transported in a vehicle. Permits must not be left on display when the vehicle is not engaged in the process of transporting a permit holder.
Category two permit holders are not permitted to park in special disabled persons' parking bays.
Code A - for a driver / passenger who has a disability;
Code B - for a passenger who has a disability;
Code C - for an organisation providing a transport service for people with disabilities;
Code D - for a temporary permit.
A person may hold only one disabled persons' parking permit.
A person is eligible for a permit:
- if a Medical Practitioner indicates that he / she has a significant ambulatory disability such that he / she is required to use a complex walking aid that prevents access to a vehicle in a standard sized parking bay, or he / she cannot access a vehicle in a standard sized parking bay (Code A or B). * A complex walking aid is defined as an aid which has more than one contact point with the ground.
- if a Medical Practitioner certifies that he / she has either an acute or chronic illness in which minimal walking may endanger his / her health acutely or in the long term (Code A or B).
A significant permanent ambulatory disability that is not likely to improve in the person's lifespan (Code A or B).
A significant long-term ambulatory disability is a disability that is not likely to improve within six months (Code D);
- if a Specialist Medical Practitioner or a Clinical Psychologist indicates that he / she is an extreme danger to himself / herself and others in a public place without continuous attendance by a caregiver (Code B).
A person may only hold one disabled persons' parking permit and be eligible for it:
- if a Medical Practitioner indicates that he / she has a significant ambulatory disability or severe illness which does not affect their ability to walk distances but will require rest breaks when continuous walking is undertaken.
Codes A, B and D apply to both categories.
Parking is not permitted in restricted locations such as Clearways, No Standing and No Parking Areas, Taxi Only Areas, Bus Zones, Authorised Resident Areas etc.
If you are eligible for the Scheme you should receive a copy of the "Conditions of Use" with your permit.
Application forms are available from municipal councils. Permits will only be issued to established residents of a municipality. The first part of the application form must be completed by you or your agent. The rest of the application form should be completed by the Specialist Medical Practitioner or Clinical Psychologist for intellectual disabilities and the Medical Practitioner for all other disabilities. The completed form must then be returned to the council in which you reside. You or your agent are responsible for any fees incurred in the completion of the form. Your authority for the Medical Practitioner / Specialist Medical Practitioner / Clinical Psychologist to release medical information, is to be signed and given to him / her. An organisation providing a transport service to the disabled is required to complete a separate application form.
If you have a permanent disability you will be issued with a permit for three years. At the end of this period your local council will inform you whether a new application is required to renew the permit. Temporary permits will be issued for a disability that is not likely to improve within six months and a further medical certificate must be presented for renewal or the permit. Organisations will receive a permit for 12 months.
A permit is automatically cancelled after the expiry date and may be cancelled at any time for wilful misuse or breach of the Conditions of Use. Penalties may be imposed for misuse of the permit. Further information may be obtained by your local council.
Where an application is refused, the council must give reasons for its decision in writing and reconsider your application if you seed a second opinion from another Medical Practitioner or Clinical Psychologist.
Permits are recognised elsewhere in Australia. Parking concessions may be different in other States and Territories and you should check the conditions applying to the Disabled Persons Parking Scheme in the State or Territory you intend to visit. For a brochure giving some details regarding interstate schemes, see Disabled Persons Parking Schemes in Australia (PDF, 461 kb, 8 pages)
If you are unclear as to your eligibility or require further information please contact your local council.